Retrospective study of overall survival with screening for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis after hepatitis C virus cure

The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) declines over time after hepatitis C virus (HCV) cure by direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapies in cirrhosis patients. A retrospective cohort study evaluated HCC screening among these patients in the Veterans Affairs health care system. In this study of 16,902 patients with HCV-associated cirrhosis who achieved HCC cure after treatment with DAA, rates of HCC declined gradually over 8 years of follow-up. Among 1622 patients who received a diagnosis of HCC, remaining up to date with recommended screening examinations was associated with improved overall survival after HCC diagnosis through 5 years after HCV cure. The authors conclude that these findings suggest that individuals with cirrhosis who achieve HCV cure should receive recommended HCC screening.